Quinny & Hopper (14 page)

First, the grown-ups: I’m grateful to Quinlan Lee at Adams Literary for believing this heartfelt pile of words was actually a book, and to Laura Schreiber, Tyler Nevins, and Christine Ma at Disney-Hyperion for turning it into such a charming one. Thanks to Daniel Brad, Julie Flanagan Lind, Kirsten Anderson Segal, Sarah Blustain, and Alison Formento for helpful advice on early drafts. I owe my husband, Glen, and mother, Julie, a debt of gratitude for their loving support, and for putting up with my writerly ways.

Now for the kids: A big thank you to Nic Chang, Aidan Dowell, Zoe Gelsi, Veronica Holtz, Jules & Flora Max, Curran Schestag, and, last but not least, my fiercely opinionated daughters Madeline & Julia Schanen. All your feedback helped me revise, revise, revise (and then revise some more). For the inspiration that sparked this story, I’d also like to thank: Faye’s voice, Christine’s social energy, Julia’s artistry and speed, Spencer’s enormous heart, Luke & Ethan’s bare feet, Eli’s way with silence, Madeline’s interesting hair and exuberant smile, Torger’s deep well of emotion and intelligence, Lily’s chickens, and Lucas O.’s great big looking-looking eyes. I look forward to watching you all grow and soar in the years ahead.

Adriana Brad Schanen
lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband and two very, very, extra-very lively daughters, and a shaggy 60-pound lap dog named Oliver.
Quinny & Hopper
is her first children’s book. Visit her online at
adrianabradschanen.com
.

Greg Swearingen
has illustrated over eighty chapter books. His artwork has received awards from Communication Arts, Spectrum: The Best In Contemporary Fantastic Art, and the Society of Illustrators in New York City. Mr. Swearingen resides in California with his wife and sons.